Students’ Speak: Quick tips to ace your GD-PI preparation
By: Shubham Singh
All the information mentioned in this article is collected from friends who gave GDs recently, research through the Internet, experts’ advice, and my GD experience.
Group Discussion, which is popularly known as GD, is a method or process used by many organizations, institutions, companies, and competitive exams. It is conducted to check the candidate's communication skills, confidence, leadership skill, team spirit, and problem-solving skill. There are usually 7 to 12 candidates who participate in a GD. The ideal duration for GD is 10 to 20 minutes. At this time, the candidates are required to express their opinion on the specific topic.
Skills required for Group Discussion
There are a lot of myths in the candidates regarding GD. The first and most important myth among students is that raising their voice and a lot of random speaking will help him/her to impress the judges. But this is not the case.
Let's take a look at the basic skills on which candidates are judged in a GD.
1. Communication Skill
It is one of the most important skills which is a must for every candidate. Communication skills do not refer to your fluency in English but if you can express yourself in a very clear and impressive way in any language then you are a good communicator. The inclusion of body-language throughout is much important. You should also have a good accent and should know the correct pronunciation of words. Loud voice does not mean the candidate should start shouting.
2. Listening skill
It is the one skill which is recommended by every expert and student who clears the GD. We all have speaking skills but only a few have listening skills. Every expert of GD always says that people do not try to listen to their colleague's point. In a GD, there is no doubt that your speaking skill is important but equally important is to be a good listener.
3. Leadership Skill
It is one of the most important skills that the instructor will always look for in a candidate. A candidate who starts the discussion will get brownie points. Also, always try to lead the discussion by giving the chance to those candidates who are inactive throughout the discussion and try to conclude the discussion. This way a candidate can impress the judge.
Parameters on which you are judged during GD
There are a few parameters on which the judge or panel gives their judgment. All the parameters are very basic and every candidate can easily pass their GD with these parameters. During GD the panel is trying to find some qualities in the candidate. Here are some of the parameters which help the panel for giving their judgment. All the parameters are recommended by experts and some of my friends who recently give GDs.
1. Proper knowledge of the topic
The knowledge of that topic which is being discussed by the candidates is very important. It is not important how your communication and speaking skills are good if you do not have knowledge about the topic. Speaking anything isn't enough. You must talk relevant which is related to the topic. Candidate can make a small concept map of the script of that topic.
2. Body language and gestures
One thing every candidate should keep in mind that your non-verbal expression says about 60% of your knowledge. The body says it all. The proper facial expression, proper way of gesture, your proper poster says it all the time. Your facial expressions must be according to the content, and your way of sitting, your way of speaking too. The movement of the legs, hands, and torso is very important during the discussion but always keep in mind shaking of the legs appear very weird and it ruins your body language.
3. Know the difference between discussion and debate
Many of the students do not know the difference between a debate and a discussion. They always start dominating each other. The clear meaning of GD is a discussion among groups. So please try to avoid turning the discussion into a heated debate. Be calm and composed. Do not lose your patience and avoid your aggression.
4. Attitude
Your attitude in the GD is very important. So stay positive and calm throughout the discussion. Always try to show your positive side and be polite. Don't be rude.
5. Leadership Quality
One thing you should always keep in mind that you have to lead the conversation and discussion. The judge makes their judgment with the help of a major parameter of GD which is leadership quality. So be well aware of the topic and try to lead the side but do not dominate. You should appear as a leader.
6. Confidence
Being confident will help you to take forward your discussion. Proper knowledge of the topic will help boost your confidence and if you speak with confidence, the panelist notices you. The most important thing is that if you speak with confidence your colleagues do hear your voice with interest to understand what you have to say.
7. Decision Making Quality
It is also an important parameter which the instructor tries to look for in a candidate. At a specific time, the instructor expects the conclusion from the discussion team but if any of the candidates fail to conclude they might lose the chance for winning the GD. So it is very important to conclude the GD.
About the Author:
Shubham Singh, a student and an enthusiastic blogger. He loves playing football and cricket, writing about sports and engineering exams and reading the autobiographies of great leaders of India.
